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Hanrahan to undergo season-ending surgery

Acquired before year, Red Sox reliever felled by flexor muscle damage

Red Sox reliever Joel Hanrahan discusses the forearm strain that caused him to leave Monday's game and how he's approaching the situation

By Jason Mastrodonato
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MLB.com |

BOSTON -- Joel Hanrahan said Saturday morning that he will undergo season-ending surgery next week to repair a damaged flexor tendon in his throwing arm.

The surgery requires about six to nine months of recovery time. Noted orthopedic surgeon James Andrews will perform the procedure. If Andrews discovers any ligament damage, Tommy John surgery could be necessary as well.

"[Andrews] basically walked in, looked at my arm, touched it, and said there really wasn't a decision," Hanrahan said. "The flexor pretty much tore right off the bone. It wasn't really a decision. It's just a matter of what kind of surgery it was going to be. As of now, it's just going to be the flexor. When he gets in there and takes a look, it could be worse, [or] it could be not as bad."

Definately not the way I wanted my time here with the Red Sox to go, hopefully ill get a chance to show #RSN the real pitcher I am someday

After saving 36 games in 40 chances and posting a 2.72 ERA for the Pirates last season, Hanrahan was 4-for-6 in save opportunities for the Red Sox while walking six batters in 7 1/3 innings and accumulating a 9.82 ERA.

"This is a guy that's 31 years old," said manager John Farrell. "And yes, free agency is pending, but you have to do what's right for the guy.

"You don't want a short-term solution or a quick fix. This is something that's got to be taken care of hopefully once, and then he has a long and productive career following."

Thank you to everyone for their well wishes and prayers! Things happen for a reason, ill be back and look forward to dominating my rehab!!!

Hanrahan was acquired from the Pirates in December, along with infielder Brock Holt, for Stolmy Pimentel, Ivan De Jesus, Mark Melancon and Jerry Sands. Hanrahan agreed to one-year deal worth about $7 million, so he'll be looking for employment following this season. He said the Red Sox haven't yet discussed future contract negotiations with him.

"Hopefully I'll get another chance here, maybe, and show the fans here what kind of pitcher I really am," Hanrahan said. "This year has kind of been a wash. Now it's definitely a wash. We'll see where it takes me from there."

Hanrahan said he wasn't sure if the damage in his arm was built up over time or if it happened in one sudden motion. But with the frequency in which pitchers bounce back from arm surgeries thanks to modern science, the right-hander is feeling optimistic.

"With the guys that are doing it these days and the programs they have, surgery is kind of like putting a Band-Aid on something," Hanrahan said. "They're so good at their job, kind of like we are. It takes a lot of the worry out of everything."

The Red Sox are using Junichi Tazawa as their closer for the time being, while Andrew Bailey recovers from a right biceps strain. Farrell said Bailey will likely start throwing from the mound at some point next week, and a rehab assignment may not be needed before Bailey returns.

Bailey is eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday.

Jason Mastrodonato is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @jmastrodonato. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.